Fountaine Pajot is a pioneer in building cruise catamarans. With little caveat, it can be said that in the early 1980s the French company practically created this niche, opening up a world of travel for millions of dreamers in love with the sea. In 2014, the company’s contribution to the local community, where Fountaine Pajot is the largest employer, was reflected in the victory of its founder Jean-François Fountaine in the election of the mayor of La Rochelle, known to anyone interested in sailing and the ocean.

History

The creation of the Fountaine Pajot shipyard is closely linked to sailing. Then, in the early 70’s, Jean-Francois Fontaine was preparing for the 1976 Olympic Games in the new «470»dinghy class. He teamed up with future «505» World Champion Yves Pajot and other enthusiasts to create the Fountaine Pajot Shipyard to produce dinghies for Olympic and international classes.

Fountaine Pajot boats have quickly gained popularity with the leading French Olympians. Two years later, in 1978, the shipyard moved to the town of Egrefeu d’Oni near La Rochelle, where it still exists today. During the same period, Fountaine Pajot began building large IOR racing yachts while experimenting with different technologies. In the end, the Fountaine Pajot boats were built to be strong and light, ensuring good speed.

At that time, the founders had a bold idea: to use injection technology to form a hull to build ocean multihulls. In the early 80’s this market has not yet been formed, and the cruise catamarans have not even dreamed of.

In 1981 the 18th Royale trimaran and the 21st Charente Maritime catamaran are launched. They are well proven to have won prestigious trophies in open sea racing.

Developing success, Fountaine Pajot uses its experience to create the first cruising catamaran which in 1983 became model Louisiane 37. The catamaran was a great success, but there was still much to be invented. Designer Oliviear Flahault‘s ideas were very useful here. He found ways to improve the habitability of catamarans by increasing hull volumes and creating more living space between them. Even today’s Fountaine Pajot models feature the solutions suggested by Olivier 30 years ago.

The successful development of sailing catamarans made possible the appearance of motor versions as well. In 1998 the first «catamarans» Maryland 37 and Greenland 34 saw the light of day. This success was further developed by the company by omitting the name «of the trawler»and replacing it with the proud phrase «Motor Yacht». The modern motor yacht range from Fountaine Pajot offers three models: 37, 40 and 44 feet.

Model range

Throughout history, Fountaine Pajot has always considered sailing boats to be their specialty. Today the Fountaine Pajot sailing catamaran range ranges from comfortable 40 feet to elite 67 feet. The modern Fountaine Pajot range of motor cruising catamarans offers models from 30 to 40 feet.

Features .

As a true expert in its business, Fountaine Pajot has changed several ways of producing and connecting hulls in the course of more than 40 years of history, with a focus on the best, most economical and best value for money. At the same time, comfort, reliability and exteriors are uncompromising. In 2012, Fountaine Pajot launched an «eco-cruise» program for the application of renewable energy sources in the produced models.

Produced by .

The main production facilities of Fountaine Pajot are located in the west of France, in the town of Egrefeuil d’Oni near La Rochelle. With over 400 employees, the company produces up to 200 hulls of motor and sailing catamarans per year, making it one of the largest manufacturers in the world market.